PSD teachers plan to join statewide walkout movement May 19

Teachers in the Peninsula Education Association will join ongoing rolling one-day walkouts statewide on May 19.

The Peninsula School District was informed of the decision Thursday afternoon and sent out a notification to parents.

The PEA also discussed an action plan should there be a strike by other districts in the fall. That is dependent on whether or not the state teachers union feels the Legislature has offered significant funding for basic education.

Jim Falcocchio, president of the PEA, issued a statement on behalf of the organization.

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“Both measures were member-generated and reflect the disappointment and frustration we have with the inability of the Washington State Legislature to honor its paramount duty and fully fund education K to higher ed,” the statement reads.

The frustration stems from a lack of funding for the smaller class size initiative passed last fall and the McCleary decision, where the state Supreme Court held the Legislature in contempt until education is adequately funded.

Joining the statewide movement of rolling walkouts is in no way directed at the district, Falcocchio said. According to the PEA’s statement, it has “a respectful and collaborative relationship” with the district.

The union believes that if the Legislature was fulfilling its duty of funding basic education, the pressure would not be put on taxpayers and the district to fund needs such as busing, technology, training and support staff.